Beto O’Rourke on If He’s Considering a Presidential Run: ‘The Answer is No’

During a CNN Town Hall on Thursday, Texas Democrat and Ted Cruz challenger Beto O’Rourke said he’s not planning to run for president.

“Do you foresee yourself one day running for the president of the United States?” an audience member asked.

O’Rourke replied: “Thank you for being here. Thanks for the question. Dana, since this is the last segment, asked me to be brief, so I will. The answer is no. But my wife is the only one to clap during that. Our children are 11, they’re 10, and 7 years old. We’ve told them we’re going to take these almost two years out of our life to run this race, and then we’re devoted and committed to being a family again. So, that’s what we’re focused on. But thank you for asking the question. It’s super kind.”

Bash then asked if it was a definitive no.

“It’s a definitive no,” O’ Rourke replied.

“Like never?” Bash pressed.

“Let me put it this way. I promise to you and most importantly to the people of Texas, that I’ll serve every single day of a six-year term in the United States Senate and I won’t leave this state to go run for president,” Beto said.

“And if you don’t win?” bash pressed on.

“We’re back in El Paso,” O’Rourke told her before the discussion moved on.